Photo courtesy of Iowa State athletics
There are just two FBS teams in Iowa.
This coming Saturday, they’ll meet in Ames as AP-ranked teams for the first time ever as the in-state foes square off for a top-10 showdown. Both teams opened the 2021 campaign with a victory, but the feeling coming out of those wins may be much different.
The Hawkeyes had one of the better performances in the country in Week 1, blasting then No. 17 Indiana, 34-6. Iowa held the Hoosiers to just 233 yards of offense and forced three turnovers. Riley Moss returned two interceptions for touchdowns.
Iowa State struggled, but held off Northern Iowa, 16-10. The Cyclones are coming off a banner year in which they finished in the AP top 10 for the first time ever at No. 9.
That’s what they’ll be ranked this week as they play host to Iowa for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. After the thumping of Indiana, Iowa moved up eight spots this week to No. 10.
This season marks just the fourth season ever that Iowa State has been ranked in the AP top 10. Iowa State began the year ranked No. 7, which was its highest ranking ever.
A Marquee Match-Up
Saturday’s contest should have plenty of viewers as ESPN’s College GameDay will make its way to Ames. Last season marked the first time since 1976 that the teams did not meet. The schools went 42 years without squaring off from 1935 to 1976.
The rivalry has recently been dominated by the Hawkeyes. Iowa has won the last five contests between the schools and nine of the last 12. They’ll square off on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET. The contest will air on ABC.
Mike Ferguson is the managing editor for Fifth Quarter. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.
